Department of Justice

Convicted Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – October 4, 2014 - William Robert Humphrey, 31, of Nashville, Tenn., pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday by United States District Court Judge William J. Haynes, Jr., to 15 years in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced David Rivera, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.

“This prosecution and sentence reflect a collaborative effort between local, state and federal law-enforcement to identify and remove the most dangerous offenders from our communities who habitually break the law,” said U.S. Attorney David Rivera. “Mr. Humphrey’s reign as a violent criminal has come to an abrupt end as there is no parole in the federal system.”

Humphrey has a lengthy criminal history including multiple prior felony convictions for drug trafficking offenses and violent crimes throughout Middle Tennessee. As a result of those convictions, Humphrey is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.

On May 17, 2013, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department officers arrested Humphrey on multiple outstanding felony warrants in a residence in East Nashville, where he was found sleeping with a shotgun underneath his mattress.p>

On September 7, 2013, while out on bond in the previous case, Humphrey was arrested by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, in Shelbyville, Tennessee, following a traffic stop. At the time of his arrest, Humphrey was carrying over $4,500 in cash and approximately an ounce of cocaine for resale.

This matter was investigated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Lee.